The Problem With Drop-Side Cribs: More Than 40,000 Recalled

Ethan Allen, Angel Line and Victory Land Heritage Collection have recalled a total of 40,650 cribs, all 3-in-1 convertible models that are also referred to as drop-side cribs. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) cited concerns about the cribs’ detachable sides, which can come loose due to wear and tear, creating a small gap in which a small child could become trapped and potentially suffocate.

According to the AP, more than 9 million drop-side cribs have been recalled in the past five years. They have been responsible for 32 infant and toddler deaths since 2000, and are suspected in 14 additional fatalities. (More on Time.com: Top 10 Product Recalls)

In July, the CPSC proposed a ban on the manufacture and sale of drop-side cribs; if passed, the measure will not go into effect until next year. Incidentally, the crib recall is simultaneous with the CPSC’s launch of a national education campaign on crib safety.